Exhaust Flow Control System and Method

ABSTRACT

A system and method for controlling the exhaust flow rate in an exhaust ventilation system including an exhaust hood positioned above a cooking appliance. The method can include measuring a temperature of the exhaust air in the vicinity of the cooking appliance, and measuring a radiant temperature of a surface of the cooking appliance, and determining an appliance status based on the measured exhaust air temperature and radiant temperature, and controlling the exhaust flow rate in response to the determined appliance status.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/196,693 filed Jun. 29, 2019 entitled “Exhaust Flow Control System andMethod”, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/132,542filed Aug. 10, 2011 entitled “Exhaust Flow Control System and Method”,which is a national stage application of International Application No.PCT/US2009/066660, filed Dec. 3, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/185,168, entitled “Exhaust SystemControl”, filed Jun. 8, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/119,716, entitled “Exhaust Flow Control System and Method for CookingEquipment”, filed Dec. 3, 2008, all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to controllingexhaust air flow in a ventilation system. More specifically, embodimentsrelate to controlling the exhaust air flow rate in an exhaust airventilation system based on the status of a cooking appliance.

BACKGROUND

Exhaust ventilation systems can be used to remove fumes and aircontaminants generated by cooking appliances. These systems are usuallyequipped with an exhaust hood positioned above the cooking appliance,the hood including an exhaust fan that removes fumes from the area wherethe cooking appliance is used. Some systems also include manual orautomatic dampers that can be opened or closed to change the exhaust airflow in the system.

In order to reduce or eliminate the fumes and other air contaminantsgenerated during cooking it may be helpful to draw some of the air outof the ventilated space. This may increase the energy consumption of thecooking appliance or cooking range. Therefore, it is important tocontrol the exhaust air flow rate to maintain enough air flow toeliminate fumes and other air contaminants, while reducing or minimizingenergy loss.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments include a method for controlling the exhaustflow rate in an exhaust ventilation system including an exhaust hoodpositioned above a cooking appliance. The method can include measuring atemperature of the exhaust air in the vicinity of the exhaust hood,measuring a radiant temperature of the exhaust air in the vicinity ofthe cooking appliance, determining an appliance status based on themeasured exhaust air temperature and radiant temperature, andcontrolling the exhaust flow rate in response to the determinedappliance status.

One or more embodiments can include controlling the exhaust air flowrate in an exhaust ventilation system where the exhaust air temperaturenear the vicinity of the exhaust hood is measured using a temperaturesensor. Embodiments can further comprise controlling the exhaust airflow rate in an exhaust ventilation system where the radiant temperaturein the vicinity of the cooking appliance is measured using an infrared(IR) sensor. Embodiments can further comprise controlling the exhaustair flow rate in an exhaust ventilation system where the appliancestatus includes a cooking state, an idle state and an off state. In acooking state it can be determined that there is a fluctuation in theradiant temperature and the mean radiant temperature of the cookingappliance, or that the exhaust temperature is above a minimum exhausttemperature. In an idle state, it can be determined that there is noradiant temperature fluctuation for the duration of the cooking time andthe exhaust temperature is less than a predetermined minimum exhausttemperature. In an off state, it can be determined that the mean radianttemperature is less than a predetermined minimum radiant temperature andthat the exhaust temperature is less than a predetermined ambient airtemperature plus the mean ambient air temperature of the space in thevicinity of the cooking appliance.

Embodiments can further comprise controlling the exhaust air flow ratein an exhaust ventilation system positioned above a cooking appliancewhere the exhaust air flow is controlled by turning the fan on or off,or by changing the fan speed and the damper position based on thedetermined appliance status.

Embodiments can further comprise controlling the exhaust air flow ratein an exhaust ventilation system positioned above a cooking appliancewhere the exhaust flow rate is changed based on a change in theappliance status.

Embodiments can further comprise controlling the exhaust air flow ratein an exhaust ventilation system positioned above a cooking appliancewhere the exhaust flow rate is changed between a predetermined designexhaust air flow rate, a predetermined idle exhaust air flow rate, andan off exhaust air flow rate, in response to the detected change inappliance status.

Embodiments can further comprise controlling the exhaust air flow ratein an exhaust ventilation system positioned above a cooking appliancewhere the system is calibrated before controlling the exhaust flow rate.Embodiments can further comprise controlling the exhaust air flow ratein an exhaust ventilation system positioned above a cooking appliancewhere a difference between the exhaust air temperature and a temperatureof ambient space in the vicinity of the ventilation system is measuredto determine appliance status.

Embodiments can further comprise controlling the exhaust air flow ratein an exhaust ventilation system positioned above a cooking appliancewhere the cooking appliance is in the cooking state when there is afluctuation in the radiant temperature and the radiant temperature isgreater than a predetermined minimum radiant temperature, the cookingappliance is in the idle state when there is no fluctuation in theradiant temperature, and the cooking appliance is in the off state whenthere is no fluctuation in the radiant temperature and the radianttemperature is less than a minimum predetermined radiant temperature.

Embodiments can further comprise controlling the exhaust air flow ratein an exhaust ventilation system positioned above a cooking appliancewhere the cooking appliance is in the cooking state when the exhaust airtemperature is greater than or equal to a maximum predetermined ambienttemperature, the cooking appliance is in the idle state when the exhaustair temperature is less than the predetermined maximum ambienttemperature, and the cooking appliance is in the off state when theexhaust air temperature is less than a predetermined ambienttemperature. Embodiments can further comprise measuring the radianttemperature using an infrared sensor.

Embodiments can further comprise an exhaust ventilation system includingan exhaust hood mounted above a cooking appliance with an exhaust fanfor removing exhaust air generated by the cooking appliance, at leastone sensor for measuring a radiant temperature of the cooking appliance,at least one temperature sensor attached to the exhaust hood formeasuring the temperature of the exhaust air, and a control module todetermine a status of the cooking appliance based on the measuredradiant temperature and exhaust air temperature, and to control anexhaust air flow rate based on said appliance status.

Embodiments can further comprise an infrared sensor for measuring theradiant temperature, a temperature sensor for measuring the exhaust airtemperature in the vicinity of the exhaust hood, and a control modulewhich can include a processor to determine the status of the cookingappliance, and to control the exhaust flow rate based on the appliancestatus.

Embodiments can further comprise a control module that controls theexhaust air flow rate by controlling a speed of an exhaust fan at leastone motorized balancing damper attached to the exhaust hood to control avolume of the exhaust air that enters a hood duct.

In various embodiments the control module can further control theexhaust air flow rate by controlling a position of the at least onemotorized balancing damper.

Further the control module can determine the appliance status where theappliance status includes a cooking state, an idle state and an offstate. Embodiments can further comprise a control module that controlsthe exhaust flow rate by changing the exhaust flow rate between a designexhaust flow rate (Qdesign), an idle exhaust flow rate (Qidle), and anoff exhaust flow rate (0), based on a change in the appliance status.

Embodiments can further comprise a control module that changes theexhaust flow rate to design exhaust flow rate (Qdesign) when theappliance is determined to be in the cooking state, to idle exhaust flowrate (Qidle) when the appliance status is determined to be in the idlestate, and to the off exhaust flow rate when the appliance is determinedto be in the off state.

Embodiments can further comprise a control module that can furtherdetermine a fluctuation in the radiant temperature.

Embodiments can further comprise a control module that can determinethat the cooking appliance is in the cooking state when there is afluctuation in the radiant temperature and the radiant temperature isgreater than a predetermined minimum radiant temperature, the cookingappliance is in the idle state when there is no fluctuation in theradiant temperature, and the cooking appliance is in the off state whenthere is no fluctuation in the radiant temperature and the radianttemperature is less than a minimum predetermined radiant temperature.

Embodiments can further comprise a temperature sensor for measuring anambient temperature of the air in the vicinity of the ventilationsystem, and a control module that can further determine a differencebetween the exhaust air temperature in the vicinity of the exhaust hoodand the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the ventilation system.

Embodiments can further comprise a control module that determines thatthe cooking appliance is in the cooking state when the exhaust airtemperature is greater than or equal to a maximum predetermined ambienttemperature, the cooking appliance is in the idle state when the exhaustair temperature is less than the predetermined maximum ambienttemperature, and the cooking appliance is in the off state when theexhaust air temperature is less than a predetermined ambienttemperature. Embodiments can further comprise a control module thatcontrols the exhaust flow rate after the system is calibrated.

Embodiments can comprise a control module for controlling an exhaustflow rate in an exhaust ventilating system comprising an exhaust hoodpositioned above a cooking appliance, the control module comprising aprocessor for determining a status of the cooking appliance, and forcontrolling the exhaust flow rate based on the appliance status.

In various embodiments the control module can further comprisecontrolling an exhaust flow rate where the appliance status includes oneof a cooking state, an idle state and an off state. The control modulecan further comprise controlling an exhaust flow rate where the exhaustflow rate includes one of a design exhaust flow rate (Qdesign), an idleexhaust flow rate (Qidle), and an off exhaust flow rate. The controlmodule can further comprise a function to change the exhaust flow ratefrom the design exhaust flow rate to the idle exhaust flow rate and tothe off exhaust flow rate. The control module can further comprisecontrolling an exhaust flow rate where in the cooking state the controlmodule changes the exhaust flow rate to the design air flow rate, in theidle cooking state the control module changes the exhaust flow rate tothe idle exhaust flow rate and in the off state the control modulechanges the exhaust flow to the off exhaust flow rate.

In various embodiments the control module can further comprisecontrolling an exhaust flow rate where the processor determines theappliance status by measuring an ambient temperature of the exhaust airgenerated by the cooking appliance, and by measuring a radianttemperature of the cooking appliance.

The control module can further comprise controlling an exhaust flow ratewhere the processor determines a cooking state when the exhaust airtemperature is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum ambienttemperature, an idle state when the exhaust air temperature is less thanthe predetermined maximum ambient temperature, and an off state when theexhaust air temperature is less than a predetermined ambienttemperature.

The control module can further comprise controlling the exhaust flowrate where the processor determines a cooking state when there is afluctuation in the radiant temperature and the radiant temperature isgreater than a predetermined minimum radiant temperature, an idle statewhen there is no fluctuation in the radiant temperature, and an offstate when there is no fluctuation in the radiant temperature and theradiant temperature is less than a predetermined minimum radianttemperature.

The control module can further comprise controlling an exhaust flow rateby controlling a speed of an exhaust fan attached to the exhaust hoodfor removing the exhaust air generated by the cooking appliance,controlling an exhaust flow rate by controlling a position of at leastone balancing damper attached to the exhaust hood, and controlling anexhaust flow rate where the control module further calibrates the systembefore the controller controls the exhaust flow rate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagrammatically illustrating an exhaustventilating system positioned above a cooking appliance and having anexhaust airflow control system according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view diagrammatically illustrating an exhaustventilating system having motorized dampers;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary exhaust air flow rate controlsystem in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary exhaust flow ratecontrol method according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary start-up routine of at leastone embodiment with or without automatic dampers;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a check routine of at least one embodimentwith a single hood and no dampers;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a checking routine of at least oneembodiment with multiple hoods, one fan and motorized dampers;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a calibration routine for at least oneembodiment with a single hood, single fan and no motorized dampers;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a calibration routine for at least oneembodiment with multiple hoods, one fan and no motorized dampers;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a calibration routine for at least oneembodiment with one or multiple hoods, one fan, and motorized dampers;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of an operation routine for at least oneembodiment without motorized balancing dampers;

FIGS. 12A-12C are flow diagrams of an operation routine for at least oneembodiment with motorized balancing dampers;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an exemplary exhaust flow control systemin accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an exemplary exhaust flow control systemin accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an exemplary exhaust flow control systemin accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary exhaust ventilationsystem 100 including an exhaust hood 105 positioned above a plurality ofcooking appliances 115 and provided in communication with an exhaustassembly 145 through an exhaust duct 110. A bottom opening of theexhaust hood 105 may be generally rectangular but can have any otherdesired shape. Walls of the hood 105 define an interior volume 185,which communicates with a downwardly facing bottom opening 190 at an endof the hood 105 that is positioned over the cooking appliances 115. Theinterior volume 185 can also communicate with the exhaust assembly 145through the exhaust duct 110. The exhaust duct 110 can extend upwardlytoward the outside venting environment through the exhaust assembly 145.

Exhaust assembly 145 can include a motorized exhaust fan 130, by whichthe exhaust air generated by the cooking appliances 115 is drawn intothe exhaust duct 110 and for expelling into the outside ventingenvironment. When the motor of the exhaust fan 130 is running, anexhaust air flow path 165 is established between the cooking appliances115 and the outside venting environment. As the air is pulled away fromthe cook top area, fumes, air pollutants and other air particles areexhausted into the outside venting environment through the exhaust duct110 and exhaust assembly 145.

The exhaust ventilating system 100 can further include a control module302 which preferably includes a programmable processor 304 that isoperably coupled to, and receives data from, a plurality of sensors andis configured to control the speed of the motorized exhaust fan 130,which in turn regulates the exhaust air flow rate in the system 100. Thecontrol module 302 controls the exhaust fan 130 speed based on theoutput of a temperature sensor 125 positioned on or in the interior ofthe exhaust duct 110, and the output of infrared (IR) radianttemperature sensors 120, each positioned to face the surface of thecooking appliances 115. In at least one embodiment, three IR sensors 120can be provided, each one positioned above a respective cookingappliance 115, so that each IR sensor 312 faces a respective cookingsurface 115. However, any number and type of IR sensors 120 and anynumber of cooking appliances 115 may be used, as long as the radianttemperature of each cooking surface is detected. The control module 302communicates with sensors 125 and 120 and identifies the cookingappliance status based on the sensor readings. The status of the cookingappliances 115 is determined based on the exhaust air temperature andthe radiant temperature sensed using these multiple detectors.

The control module 302 communicates with the motorized exhaust fan 130which includes a speed control module such as a variable frequency drive(VFD) to control the speed of the motor, as well as one or moremotorized balancing dampers (BD) 150 positioned near the exhaust duct110. The control module 302 can determine a cooking appliance status(AS) based on the exhaust temperature sensor 125 and the IR radianttemperature sensor 120 outputs, and change the exhaust fan 130 speed aswell as the position of the motorized balancing dampers 150 in responseto the determined cooking appliance status (AS). For example, thecooking appliance 115 can have a cooking state (AS=1), an idle state(AS=2) or an OFF state (AS=0). The status of a cooking appliance 115 canbe determined based on temperature detected by the exhaust temperaturesensors 125 and the IR sensors 120. According to various embodiments,the method by which the appliance status (AS) is determined is shown inFIGS. 4-12 and discussed in detail below. Based on the determinedappliance status (AS), the control module 302 selects a fan speed and/ora balancing damper position in the system so that the exhaust flow ratecorresponds to a pre-determined exhaust flow rate associated with aparticular appliance status (AS).

Referring to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of an exhaust ventilationsystem 200 is shown having a plurality of exhaust hoods 105′ which canbe positioned above one or more cooking appliances 115 (depending on thesize of the cooking equipment). The system 200 can include at least oneexhaust temperature sensor 125 for each of the respective hoods 105′, aswell as at least one pressure transducer 155 connected to each of therespective hood tab ports (TAB). Each of the exhaust hood ducts 110 caninclude a motorized balancing damper 150. The balancing dampers 150 canbe positioned at the respective hood ducts 110 and may include anactuator that provides damper position feedback. The system 200 can alsoinclude at least one IR sensor 120 (such as IR sensor(s) 312 shown inFIG. 3) positioned so that it detects the radiant temperature ofrespective cooking surfaces. An exhaust fan 130 can be connected to theexhaust assembly 145 to allow exhaust air to be moved away from thecook-tops into the surrounding outside venting environment. Anadditional pressure transducer 140 can be included to measure the staticpressure in the main exhaust duct that is part of the exhaust assembly145, as well as a plurality of grease removing filters 170 at theexhaust hood 105 bottom opening 190 to remove grease and fume particlesfrom entering the hood ducts 110.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an exhaust flow rate controlsystem 300 that can be used in connection with any of the above shownsystems (e.g., 100 and 200). As shown in FIG. 3, the exhaust flowcontrol system 300 includes a control module 302. The control module 302includes a processor 304 and a memory 306. The control module 302 iscoupled to and receives inputs from a plurality of sensors and devices,including an IR sensor 312, which can be positioned on the exhaust hoodcanopy 105 so that the IR sensor 312 faces the surface of the cookingappliance 115 and detects the radiant temperature emanating from thecooking surface, an exhaust air temperature sensor 314 installed closeto a hood duct 110 to detect the temperature of the exhaust air that issucked into the hood duct 110, an ambient air temperature sensor 310positioned near the ventilation system (100, 200) to detect thetemperature of the air surrounding the cooking appliance 115, a pressuresensor 308, which can be positioned near a hood tab port (TAB) to detectthe pressure built-up in the hood duct 110, and optional operatorcontrols 311. Inputs from the sensors 308-314 and operator controls 311are transferred to the control module 302, which then processes theinput signals and determines the appliance status (AS) or state. Thecontrol module processor 304 can control the speed of the exhaust fanmotor(s) 316 and/or the position of the motorized balancing dampers 318(BD) based on the appliance state. Each cooking state is associated witha particular exhaust flow rate (Q), as discussed below. Once the controlmodule 302 determines the state the is in, it can then adjust the speedof the exhaust fan 316 speed and the position of the balancing dampers318 to achieve a pre-determined air flow rate associated with eachappliance status.

In various embodiments, the sensors 308-314 can be operably coupled tothe processor 304 using a conductive wire. The sensor outputs can beprovided in the form of an analog signal (e.g. voltage, current, or thelike). Alternatively, the sensors can be coupled to the processor 304via a digital bus, in which case the sensor outputs can comprise one ormore words of digital information. The number and positions of exhausttemperature sensors 314 and radiant temperature sensors (IR sensors) 312can be varied depending on how many cooking appliances and associatedhoods, hood collars and hood ducts are present in the system, as well asother variables such as the hood length. The number and positioning ofambient air temperature sensors 310 can also be varied as long as thetemperature of the ambient air around the ventilation system isdetected. The number and positioning of the pressure sensors 308 canalso be varied as long as they are installed in the hood duct in closeproximity to the exhaust fan 130 to measure the static pressure (Pst) inthe main exhaust duct. All sensors are exemplary and therefore any knowntype of sensor may be used to fulfill the desired function. In general,the control module 302 can be coupled to sensors 308-314 and the motors316 and dampers 318 by any suitable wired or wireless link.

In various embodiments, multiple control modules 302 can be provided.The type and number of control modules 302 and their location in thesystem may also vary depending on the complexity and scale of the systemas to the number of above enumerated sensors and their locations withina system.

As mentioned above, the control module 302 preferably contains aprocessor 304 and a memory 306, which can be configured to perform thecontrol functions described herein. In various embodiments the memory306 can store a list of appropriate input variables, process variables,process control set points as well as calibration set points for eachhood. These stored variables can be used by the processor 304 during thedifferent stages of the check, calibration, and start-up functions, aswell as during operation of the system.

In various embodiments, the processor 304 can execute a sequence ofprogrammed instructions stored on a computer readable medium (e.g.,electronic memory, optical or magnetic storage, or the like). Theinstructions, when executed by the processor 304, cause the processor304 to perform the functions described herein. The instructions may bestored in the memory 306, or they may be embodied in another processorreadable medium, or a combination thereof. The processor 304 can beimplemented using a microcontroller, computer, an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), or discrete logic components, or acombination thereof.

In various embodiment, the processor 304 can also be coupled to a statusindicator or display device 317, such as, for example, a Liquid CrystalDisplay (LCD), for output of alarms and error codes and other messagesto a user. The indicator 317 can also include an audible indicator suchas a buzzer, bell, alarm, or the like.

With respect to FIG. 4, there is shown an exemplary method 400 accordingto various embodiments. The method 400 begins at S405 and continues toS410 or S425 to receive an exhaust air temperature input or a pressuresensor input and to S415 and S420 to receive an ambient air temperatureinput and an infrared sensor input. Control continues to S430.

At S430, the current exhaust flow rate (Q) is determined. Controlcontinues to S435.

At S435, the current exhaust flow rate is compared to the desiredexhaust flow rate. If the determined exhaust flow rate at S430 is thedesired exhaust flow rate, control restarts. If the determined exhaustflow rate at S430 is not the desired exhaust flow rate, control proceedsto S440 or S450, based on system configuration (e.g., if motorizeddampers are present then control proceed to S450, but if no motorizeddampers are present then control proceeds to S440).

Based on configuration, the damper(s) position is determined at S450 orthe exhaust fan speed is determined at S440. Based on the differentoptions at S440 and S450, the control proceeds to output a damperposition command to the damper(s) at S455 or an output speed command tothe exhaust fan at S445. The control can proceed then to determinewhether the power of the cooking appliance is off at S460, in which casethe method 400 ends at S465, or to start the method again if power isdetermined to still be on at S460.

Before operation, the system 100, 200 can be checked and calibrated bythe control module 302 during the starting process, in order to balanceeach hood to a preset design and idle exhaust flow rate, to clean andrecalibrate the sensors, if necessary, and to evaluate each component inthe system for possible malfunction or breakdown. The appropriate alarmsignals can be displayed on an LCD display in case there is amalfunction in the system, to inform an operator of the malfunction and,optionally, how to recover from the malfunction.

For example, the exemplary embodiment where the system 100 includessingle or multiple hoods connected to a single exhaust fan 130, andwithout motorized balancing dampers (BD) 150, the control module 302 mayinclude a list of the following examples of variables for each hood, asset forth below, in Tables 1-4:

TABLE 1 Hood set point list (which can be preset) Parameter name & unitsDefault value Notes Qdesign, cfm Kf Kidle 0.2 kFilterMissing 1.1kFilterClogged 1.1 Patm, “Hg 29.92 Calculated for jobs with elevationabove 1000 ft. dTcook, ° F. 10 dTspace, ° F. 10 Tmax, ° F. 110 Tfire, °F. 400 Set to be at least 10° F. below fuse ling temperature TimeCook, s420 TimeOR, s 60 dTIRmax, ° F. 5

TABLE 2 List of process control set points Parameter name & unitsDefault value Notes IR1_Derivative_Max_SP −1° C./sec Derivative forFlare-up Set Point IR1_Derivative_Min_SP 300 sec Derivative for IR IndexDrop Set Point IR1_Drop_SP1 1° C. IR Index Drop Set PointIR1_Filter_Time 10 sec IR Signal Filter Time Set Point IR1_Jump_SP 1° C.IR Signal Jump Set Point (for flare-up) IR1_Start_SP 30° C. IR SignalStart Cooking Equipment Set Point IR2_Cooking_Timer1 420 sec. CookingTimer Set Point for IR1 Field of View IR2_Derivative_Max_SP 1° C./secDerivative for Flare-up Set Point IR2_Derivative_Min_SP −1° C./secDerivative for IR Index Drop Set Point IR2_Drop_SP1 1° C. IR Index DropSet Point IR2_Filter_Time 10 sec IR Signal Filter Time Set PointIR2_Jump_SP 1° C. IR Signal Jump Set Point (for flare-up) PID_Cal_K0.5%/CFM PID Proportional Coefficient in Calibration Mode PID_Cal_T 100sec PID Integral Coefficient in Calibration Mode PID_K 0.5%/CFM PIDProportional Coefficient in Cooking Mode PID_T 100 sec PID IntegralCoefficient in Cooking Mode

TABLE 3 List of set points acquired during calibration for each hoodParameter name & units Notes VFDdesign, 0 to 1 VFDidle, 0 to 1dTIRcal_(i), ° F. Recorded for each IR sensor in the hood Qdesign1, cfmRecorded only for multiple hoods connected to a single fan

TABLE 4 List of process variables Parameter name & units Notes Q_(i),cfm For each hood Qtot, cfm See Equation A1.1 for calculating airflowkAirflowDesign See Equation A1.1 for calculating airflow IRT_(i,n), ° F.For each sensor in the hood Tex_(i), ° F. For each hood Tspace, ° F. Onefor the whole space

For example, the exemplary embodiment where the system 100 includesmultiple hoods connected to a single exhaust fan 130, where hoods areequipped with motorized balancing dampers (BD) 150, the control module302 may include a list of the following example variables for each hood,as set forth below in Tables 5-8:

List of Input Variables for Each Hood

TABLE 5 Hood set point list (may be preset) Parameter name & unitsDefault value Notes Qdesign, cfm Kf Kidle 0.2 kFilterMissing 1.1kFilterClogged 1.1 Patm, “Hg 29.92 Calculated for jobs with elevationabove 1000 ft. dTcook, ° F. 10 dTspace, ° F. 10 Tmax, ° F. 110 Tfire, °F. 400 Set to be at least 10° F. below fuse ling temperature TimeCook, s420 TimeOR, s 60 dTIRmax, ° F. 5

TABLE 6 List of process control set points Parameter name & unitsDefault value Notes IR1_Derivative_Max_SP −1° C./sec Derivative forFlare-up Set Point IR1_Derivative_Min_SP 300 sec Derivative for IR IndexDrop Set Point IR1_Drop_SP1 1° C. IR Index Drop Set PointIR1_Filter_Time 10 sec IR Signal Filter Time Set Point IR1_Jump_SP 1° C.IR Signal Jump Set Point (for flare-up) IR1_Start_SP 30° C. IR SignalStart Cooking Equipment Set Point IR2_Cooking_Timer1 420 sec. CookingTimer Set Point for IR1 Field of View IR2_Derivative_Max_SP 1° C./secDerivative for Flare-up Set Point IR2_Derivative_Min_SP −1° C./secDerivative for IR Index Drop Set Point IR2_Drop_SP1 1° C. IR Index DropSet Point IR2_Filter_Time 10 sec IR Signal Filter Time Set PointIR2_Jump_SP 1° C. IR Signal Jump Set Point (for flare-up) PID_Cal_K0.5%/CFM PID Proportional Coefficient in Calibration Mode PID_Cal_T 100sec PID Integral Coefficient in Calibration Mode PID_K 0.5%/CFM PIDProportional Coefficient in Cooking Mode PID_T 100 sec PID IntegralCoefficient in Cooking Mode

TABLE 7 List of set points acquired during calibration Parameter name &units Notes VFDdesign, 0 to 1 One for system PstDesign, inches WC Onefor system BDPdesign_(i), 0 to 1 For each hood

TABLE 8 List of process variables Parameter name & units Notes Q_(i),cfm For each hood Qtot, cfm See EquationA1.1 for calculating airflowBDP_(i), 0 to 1 For each hood (one balancing damper per hood)kAirflowDesign One for system. See Error! Reference source not found.IRT_(i,n), ° F. For each sensor in the hood Tex_(i), ° F. For each hoodTspace, ° F. One for the whole space VFD, 0 to 1 One for system

In various embodiments, the control module processor 304 can beconfigured to use the following equation to calculate the exhaust airflow (Q) at exhaust temperature Tex:

$\begin{matrix}{Q = {K_{f} \cdot \sqrt{{dp} \cdot \frac{{Dens}_{std}}{{Dens}_{exh}}}}} & {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 1}\end{matrix}$

-   -   Where:    -   K_(f) is the hood coefficient.    -   dp is the static pressure measured at the hood TAB port, in        inches WC.    -   Dens_(exh) is the density of the exhaust air in lb. mass per        cubic feet.    -   Dens_(std) is the standard density of air (=0.07487 lb/ft³ at        70° F. and atm. pressure 29.921 inches of mercury).

$\begin{matrix}{{Dens}_{exh} = {\frac{1.325\; {Patm}}{459.4 + {Tex}}\mspace{14mu}\left\lbrack {{lb}\text{/}{ft}^{3}} \right\rbrack}} & {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 2}\end{matrix}$

-   -   Where:    -   Tex—exhaust air temperature, in ° F.    -   Patm—atmospheric pressure, inches of Mercury.

Patm=29.92(1−0.0000068753·h)^(5.2550)  Eq. 3

-   -   Where:    -   h—elevation above seal level, ft    -   When reporting kAirflowDesign, mass flow of exhaust air thru all        the hoods in the kitchen equipped with the DCV system Mtot        [lb/ft³] needs to be calculated and divided by total design mass        airflow Mtot_design [lb/ft³] for these hoods.

$\begin{matrix}{{kAtrflowDesign} = \frac{Mtot}{{Mtot}_{design}}} & {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 4}\end{matrix}$

-   -   Where Mtot and Mtot_design are calculated per Eq. 4 Dens_(exh)        _(_) _(i) is calculated per eq. Eq. 2 using actual and design        temperatures of exhaust air.

$\begin{matrix}{M = {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}\; {Q_{i} \cdot {Dens}_{{exh}_{i}}}}} & {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 5}\end{matrix}$

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram for a start-up routine 500 which canbe performed by the control module 302 of an embodiment having single ormultiple hoods connected to a single exhaust fan, and without motorizedbalancing dampers at the hood level. The start-up routine 500 starts atS502 and can include one of the following three options to start theexhaust fan 316:

1) Automatically, when any of the Appliances Under the Hood is Switchedon (500):

In block S505, the infrared sensor 120 can measure the radianttemperature (IRT) of the cooking surface of any of the at least onecooking appliance 115, the ambient air temperature sensor 160 canmeasure the temperature of the space around the cooking appliance(Tspace), and another temperature sensor can measure the cookingtemperature (Tcook). If the processor 304 in the control module 302determines that the radiant temperature (IRT) exceeds the minimumtemperature reading (IRTmin) (IRTmin=Tspace+dTcook) (block S510), thecontrol module 302 can start the fan (block S515) and set the exhaustair flow (Q) to (Qidle) (block S520). If the processor 304 determinesthat the radiant temperature (IRT) does not exceed the minimumtemperature (IRTmin) (block S510), then the control module keeps the fanturned off (block S525).

The control module 302 can analyze a second reading as well before thesystem operation is started: At block S530, the exhaust temperature(Tex) can be measured with an exhaust temperature sensor 125. If theexhaust temperature exceeds a minimum preset exhaust temperature (Texmin) (block S535), the control module 302 can start the fan and set theexhaust air flow (Q) at (Qidle) (block S545). If the exhaust temperature(Tex) does not exceed the minimum exhaust temperature (Tex min), thecontrol module 302 can turn the fan off (block S550). The start-uproutine can be terminated after these steps are followed (block S550).

2) On Schedule:

Pre-programmable (e.g., for a week) schedule to switch on and switch offexhaust hoods. When on schedule hood exhaust airflow (Q) is set to(Qidle).

3) Manually, with the Override Button on the Hood:

In various embodiments actuating of an override button on the hood canset hood exhaust airflow (Q) to (Qdesign) for the preset period of time(TimeOR).

The flow diagram for the start-up routine implemented by the controlmodule 302 of a second embodiment of a system 200 with multiple hoodsconnected to a single exhaust fan, and with motorized balancing dampersat the hood level, follows substantially the same steps as illustratedin FIG. 5, except that at each step the balancing dampers BD can be keptopen so that together with the exhaust fan, the appropriate exhaust airflow (Q) can be maintained.

Referring to FIG. 6, a flow diagram is provided showing a routine 600which can be performed by the control module 302 to check the system 100before the start of the flow control operation. The routine 600 canstart at S602 and continue to a control module self-diagnostics process(block S605). If the self-diagnostic process is OK (block S610) thecontrol module 302 can set the variable frequency drive (VFD) whichcontrols the exhaust fan speed to a preset frequency (VFDidle) (blockS615). Then the static pressure can be measured by a pressure transducerpositioned at the hood TAB port (block S620) and the exhaust flow can beset to (Q) calculated using the formula of Eq. 1 (block S625). If theself-diagnostics process fails, the control module 302 can verifywhether the (VFD) is the preset (VFDidle) and whether the exhaust airflow (Q) is less or exceeds (Qidle) by a threshold airflow coefficient(blocks S630, S645). Based on the exhaust airflow reading, the controlmodule 302 generates and outputs appropriate error codes, which can beshown or displayed on an LCD display or other appropriate indicator 317attached to the exhaust hood or coupled to the control module 302.

If the exhaust flow (Q) is less than (Qidle) by a filter missingcoefficient (Kfilter missing) (block S630) then the error code “checkfilters and fan” can be generated (block S635). If, on the other hand,the exhaust flow (Q) exceeds (Qidle) by a clogged filter coefficient(Kfilter clogged) (block S645) then a “clean filter” alarm can begenerated (block S650). If the exhaust flow (Q) is in fact the same as(Qidle) then no alarm is generated (blocks S650, S655), and the routineends (S660).

Referring to FIG. 7, a flow diagram is provided showing another routine700 which can be performed by the control module 302 to check the system200. The routine 700 can start at S702 and continue to a control module302 self-diagnostics process (block S705). If a result of theself-diagnostic process is OK (block S710), the control module 302 canmaintain the exhaust air flow (Q) at (Qidle) by maintaining thebalancing dampers in their original or current position (block S715).Then, the static pressure (dp) is measured by the pressure transducerpositioned at the hood TAB port (block S720), and the exhaust flow isset to (Q) calculated using Eq. 1 (block S725). If the self-diagnosticsprocess fails, the control module can set the balancing dampers (BD) atopen position and (VFD) at (VFDdesign) (block S730).

The control module 302 can then check whether the balancing dampers aremalfunctioning (block S735). If there is a malfunctioning balancingdamper, the control module 302 can open the balancing dampers (blockS740). If there is no malfunctioning balancing damper, then the controlmodule 302 can check whether there is a malfunctioning sensor in thesystem (block S745). If there is a malfunctioning sensor, the controlmodule 302 can set the balancing dampers at (BDPdesign), the (VFD) at(VFDdesign) and the exhaust airflow to (Qdesign) (block S750).Otherwise, the control module 302 can set (VFD) to (VFDidle) until thecooking appliance is turned off (block S755). This step terminates theroutine (block S760).

In various embodiments the hood 105 is automatically calibrated todesign airflow (Qdesign). The calibration procedure routine 800 isillustrated in FIG. 8. The routine starts at S802 and can be activatedwith all ventilation systems functioning and cooking appliances in theoff state (blocks S805, S810). The calibration routine 800 can commencewith the fan turned off (blocks S810, S870). If the fan is turned off,the hood can be balanced to the design airflow (Qdesign) (block S830).If the hood is not balanced (block S825), the control module 302 canadjust VFD (block S830) until the exhaust flow reaches (Qdesign) (blockS835). The routine 800 then waits until the system is stabilized. Then,the hood 105 can be balanced for (Qidle) by reducing (VFD) speed (blocksS840, S845). The routine 800 once again waits until the system 100 isstabilized.

The next step is to calibrate the sensors (block S850). The calibrationof the sensors can be done during a first-time calibration mode, and isperformed for cold cooking appliances and when there are no peoplepresent under the hood. The radiant temperature (IRT) can be measuredand compared to a thermostat reading (Tspace), and the difference can bestored in the control module 302 memory 306 for each of the sensors(block S855). During subsequent calibration procedures or when theexhaust system is off, the change in the radiant temperature is measuredagain and is compared to the calibrated value stored in the memory 306(block S855). If the reading is higher than a maximum alloweddifference, a warning is generated in the control module 302 to cleanthe sensors (block S860). Otherwise the sensors are consideredcalibrated (block S865) and the routine 800 is terminated (block S875).

FIG. 9 illustrates the calibration routine 900 for a system withmultiple hoods, one fan and no motorized balancing dampers. The routine900 can follow substantially the same steps as for a single hood, singlefan, and no motorized damper system shown above, except that for routine900 every hood is calibrated. The routine 900 starts with Hood 1 andfollows hood balancing steps as shown above (blocks S905-S930, andS985), as well as sensor calibration steps as shown above (blocksS935-S950).

Once the first hood is calibrated, the airflow for the next hood isverified (block S955). If the airflow is at set point (Qdesign), thesensor calibration is repeated for the second (and any subsequent) hood(blocks S960, S965). If the airflow is not at the set point (Qdesign),the airflow and the sensor calibration can be repeated (S970) for thecurrent hood. The routine 900 can be followed until all hoods in thesystem are calibrated (S965). The new design airflows for all hoods canbe stored in the memory 306 (block S975) and control ends at S980.

FIG. 10 illustrates the automatic calibration routine 1000 which may beperformed by the second embodiment 200. During the calibration routine1000 all hoods are calibrated to design airflow (Qdesign) at minimumstatic pressure. The calibration procedure 1000 can be activated duringthe time the cooking equipment is not planned to be used with all hoodfilters in place, and repeated regularly (once a week for example). Theroutine 1000 can be activated at block S1005. The exhaust fan can be setat maximum speed VFD=1 (VFD=1—full speed; VFD=0—fan is off) and allbalancing dampers are fully open (BDP=1—fully open; BDP=0—fully closed)(block S1010). The exhaust airflow can be measured for each hood usingthe TAB port pressure transducer (PT) (block S1015). In variousembodiments each hood can be balanced to achieve the design airflow(Qdesign) using the balancing dampers. At this point, each BDP can beless than 1 (less than fully open). There may also be a waiting periodin which the system stabilizes.

If the exhaust airflow is not at (Qdesign), the VFD setting is reduceduntil one of the balancing dampers is fully open (block S1030). In atleast one embodiment this procedure can be done in steps by graduallyreducing the VFD setting by 10% at each iteration until one of thedampers is fully open and the air flow is (Q)=(Qdesign) (blocks S1020,S1030). If, on the other hand, at block S1020, the airflow isQ=(Qdesign), the pressure transducer setting in the main exhaust duct(Pstdesign), the fan speed VFDdesign, and the balancing damper positionBDPdesign settings can be stored (block S1025). At this point thecalibration is done (block S1035).

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method 1100 to control the exhaust airflowas implemented in the various embodiments in accordance with the system100. As shown in FIG. 11, the individual hood exhaust airflow (Q) can becontrolled based on the appliance status (AS) or state, which can be,for example, AS=1, which indicates that the corresponding appliance isin a cooking state, AS=2, which indicates that the correspondingappliance is in an idle state, and AS=0, which indicates that thecorresponding cooking appliance is turned off. The exhaust temperaturesensors 125 and the radiant IR sensors 120 can be used to detect theappliance status by applying their respective readings to the processor175. Based on the reading provided by the sensors, the control module302 can change the exhaust airflow (Q) in the system 100 to correspondto a predetermined airflow (Qdesign), a measured airflow (Q) (seebelow), and a predetermined (Qidle) airflow. When the detected cookingstate is AS=1, the control module 302 can adjust the airflow (Q) tocorrespond to the predetermined (Qdesign) airflow. When the cookingstate is AS=2, the control module 302 can adjust the airflow (Q)calculated according to the following equation:

$\begin{matrix}{Q = {Q\; {{design}\left( \frac{{Tex} - {Tspace} + {dTspace}}{{T\; \max} - {Tspace} + {dTspace}} \right)}}} & {{Eq}.\mspace{14mu} 6}\end{matrix}$

Furthermore, when the detected cooking state is AS=0, the control module302 can adjust the airflow (Q) to be Q=0.

In particular, referring again to FIG. 11, control begins at S1102 andcontinues to block S1104, in which the appliance status can bedetermined based on the input received from the exhaust temperaturesensors 125 and the IR temperature sensors 120. The exhaust temperature(Tex) and the ambient space temperature (Tspace) values can be read andstored in the memory 306 (block S1106) in order to calculate the exhaustairflow (Q) in the system (block S1108). The exhaust airflow (Q) can becalculated, for example, using equation Eq. 6. If the calculated exhaustairflow (Q) is less than the predetermined (Qidle) (block S1110) thecooking state can be determined to be AS=2 (block S1112) and the exhaustairflow (Q) can be set to correspond to (Qidle) (block S1114). In thiscase, the fan 130 can be kept at a speed (VFD) that maintains(Q)=(Qidle) (block S1116). If at block S1110, it is determined that theairflow (Q) exceeds the preset (Qidle) value, the appliance status canbe determined to be AS=1 (cooking state) (block S1118) and the controlmodule 302 can set the fan speed (VFD) at (VFD)=(VFDdesign) (blockS1120) to maintain the airflow (Q) at (Q)=(Qdesign) (block S1122).

At block S1124, the mean radiant temperature (IRT) as well as thefluctuation (FRT) of the radiant temperature emanating from theappliance cooking surface can be measured using the IR detectors 120. Ifthe processor 304 determines that the radiant temperature is increasingor decreasing faster than a pre-determined threshold, block 1128 and thecooking surface is hot (IRT>IRTmin) (block S1126), then the appliancestatus is reported as AS=1 (S1132) and the speed of fan 130 (VFD) can beset to (VFDdesign) (block S1134). When the exhaust hood 105 is equippedwith multiple IR sensors 120, by default, if either one of the sensorsindicates a fluctuation in the radiant temperature (block S1128), thencooking state (AS=1) is reported. When the cooking state is detected,hood exhaust airflow (Q) can be set to design airflow (Q=Qdesign)(S1136) for a preset cooking time (TimeCook) (7 minutes, for example).In at least one embodiment, this overrides control by exhausttemperature signal (Tex) (block S1130). Moreover, if the signal from IRsensors 120 indicates another temperature fluctuation within cookingtime (TimeCook), the cooking timer is reset.

On the other hand, if the IR sensors 120 indicate no temperaturefluctuations within preset cooking time (TimeCook), the appliance statusis reported as idle AS=2 (S1138) and the fan 130 speed can be modulated(block S1140) to maintain exhaust airflow at (Q)=(Q) calculatedaccording to Eq. 6 (block S1142). When all IR sensors 120 indicate(IRT<IRTmin) (block S1126) and (Tex<Tspace+dTspace) (block S1144), theappliance status is determined to be OFF (AS=0) (block S1146) and theexhaust fan 130 is turned off (block S1150) by setting VFD=0 (blockS1148). Otherwise, the appliance status is determined to be cooking(AS=2) (block S1152) and the fan 130 speed (VFD) is modulated (blockS1154) to keep the exhaust airflow (Q) at a level calculated accordingto equation Eq. 6 (described above) (block S1156). The operation 1100may end at block S1158, with the control module 302 setting the airflow(Q) at the airflow level based on the determined appliance status (AS).

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate an exemplary method 1200 to control the exhaustairflow in a system 200 with motorized balancing dampers at each exhausthood 105. The method 1200 can follow substantially similar steps as themethod 1100 described above, except that when fluctuation in the radianttemperature (FRT) is detected from the IR sensors 120 (block S1228), orwhen the exhaust temperature (Tex) exceeds a minimum value (Tmin) (blockS1230), the appliance status is determined to be AS=1 (block 1232), andthe control module 302 additionally checks whether the balancing dampersare in a fully open position (BDP)=1, as well as whether the fan 130speed (VFD) is below a pre-determined design fan speed (block S1380). Ifthe conditions above are true, the fan 130 speed (VFD) is increased(block 1236) until the exhaust flow Q reaches the design airflow(Qdesign) (block S1240). If the conditions above are not true, the fan130 speed (VFD) is maintained at (VFDdesign) (block S1238) and theairflow (Q) is maintained at (Q)=(Qdesign) (block S1240).

On the other hand, if there is no radiant temperature fluctuation (blockS1228) or the exhaust temperature (Tex) does not exceed a maximumtemperature (Tmax) (block S1230), the appliance status is determined tobe the idle state AS=2 (block S1242). Additionally, the control module302 can check whether the balancing dampers are in a fully openedposition (BDP)=1 and whether the fan 130 speed (VFD) is below the designfan speed (block S1244). If the answer is yes, the fan 130 speed (VFD)is increased (block S1246) and the balancing dampers are modulated(block S1250) to maintain the airflow (Q) at (Q)=(Q) (calculatedaccording to equation Eq. 6) (block S1252).

In the case that in which the radiant temperature detected does notexceed the threshold (block S1226) and the exhaust temperature is(Tex<Tspace+dTspace) (block S1254), the appliance status is determinedto be AS=0 (off) (block S1256), the balancing dampers are fully closed(BDP=0) (block S1258) and the fan 130 is turned off (S1260). Theappliance status can be stored, on the other hand, if the exhausttemperature exceeds the ambient temperature, the appliance status isdetermined to be AS=2 (block S1262) and the balancing dampers aremodulated (block S1264) to keep the fan 130 on to maintain the airflowof (Q)=(Q), which is calculated based on equation Eq. 6 (block S1266).The operation may then end and the exhaust airflow is set according tothe determined appliance status (block S1268).

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an exemplary exhaust flow control systemin accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, a system 1300includes a plurality of control modules (1302, 1308, and 1314) eachcoupled to respective ones of sensors (1304, 1310 and 1316,respectively), as described above (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.),and outputs (1306, 1312, and 1318, respectively), as described above(e.g., motor control and damper control signals). The control modulescan control their respective exhaust flow systems independently or inconjunction with each other. Further, the control modules can be incommunication with each other.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an exemplary exhaust flow control systemin accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, a system 1400includes a single control module 1402 coupled to a plurality ofinterfaces 1404-1408, which are each in turn coupled to respectivesensors (1410-1414) and control outputs (1416-1420). The control module1402 can monitor and control the exhaust flow rate for multiple hoodsadjacent to multiple appliances. Each appliance can be independentlymonitored and an appropriate exhaust flow rate can be set as describedabove. In the configuration shown in FIG. 14, it may be possible toupdate the software in the control module 1402 once and therebyeffectively updated the exhaust flow control system for each of thehoods. Also, the single control module 1402 may reduce costs andsimplify maintenance for the exhaust flow control systems and allow anexisting system to be upgraded or retrofitted to include the exhaustflow control method described above.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an exemplary exhaust flow control systemin accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, a system 1500includes a control module 1502 coupled to sensors 1504 and controloutputs 1506. The control module 1502 is also coupled to an alarminterface 1508, a fire suppression interface 1512, and an appliancecommunication interface 1516. The alarm interface 1508 is coupled to analarm system 1510. The fire suppression interface 1512 is coupled to afire suppression system 1514. The appliance communication interface 1516is coupled to one or more appliances 1518-1520.

In operation, the control module 1502 can communicate and exchangeinformation with the alarm system 1510, fire suppression system 1514,and appliances 1518-1520 to better determine appliance states and asuitable exhaust flow rate. Also, the control module 1502 may provideinformation to the various systems (1510-1520) so that functions can becoordinated for a more effective operational environment. For example,the exhaust flow control module 1502, through its sensors 1504, maydetect a fire or other dangerous condition and communicate thisinformation to the alarm system 1510, the fire suppression system 1514,and the appliances 1518-1520 so that each device or system can takeappropriate actions. Also, information from the appliances 1518-1520 canbe used by the exhaust flow control system to more accurately determineappliance states and provide more accurate exhaust flow control.

Embodiments of a method, system and computer program product forcontrolling exhaust flow rate, may be implemented on a general-purposecomputer, a special-purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor ormicrocontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element, an ASIC orother integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hardwiredelectronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, aprogrammed logic device such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, or the like. Ingeneral, any process capable of implementing the functions or stepsdescribed herein can be used to implement embodiments of the method,system, or computer program product for controlling exhaust flow rate.

Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed method, system, and computerprogram product for controlling exhaust flow rate may be readilyimplemented, fully or partially, in software using, for example, objector object-oriented software development environments that provideportable source code that can be used on a variety of computerplatforms. Alternatively, embodiments of the disclosed method, system,and computer program product for controlling exhaust flow rate can beimplemented partially or fully in hardware using, for example, standardlogic circuits or a VLSI design. Other hardware or software can be usedto implement embodiments depending on the speed and/or efficiencyrequirements of the systems, the particular function, and/or aparticular software or hardware system, microprocessor, or microcomputersystem being utilized. Embodiments of the method, system, and computerprogram product for controlling exhaust flow rate can be implemented inhardware and/or software using any known or later developed systems orstructures, devices and/or software by those of ordinary skill in theapplicable art from the functional description provided herein and witha general basic knowledge of the computer, exhaust flow, and/or cookingappliance arts.

Moreover, embodiments of the disclosed method, system, and computerprogram product for controlling exhaust flow rate can be implemented insoftware executed on a programmed general-purpose computer, a specialpurpose computer, a microprocessor, or the like. Also, the exhaust flowrate control method of this invention can be implemented as a programembedded on a personal computer such as a JAVA® or CGI script, as aresource residing on a server or graphics workstation, as a routineembedded in a dedicated processing system, or the like. The method andsystem can also be implemented by physically incorporating the methodfor controlling exhaust flow rate into a software and/or hardwaresystem, such as the hardware and software systems of exhaust vent hoodsand/or appliances.

It is, therefore, apparent that there is provided in accordance with thepresent invention, a method, system, and computer program product forcontrolling exhaust flow rate. While this invention has been describedin conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, applicantsintend to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents andvariations that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.

APPENDIX A Abbreviations, Acronyms and Terms

-   AS—appliance status (e.g., AS=1—cooking, AS=2—idle, AS=0—off)-   BD—balancing damper-   BDP—balancing damper position (e.g., BDP=0—closed; BDP=1—open)-   BDPdesign—balancing damper position corresponding to hood design    airflow Qdesign. Achieved at VFD=VFDdesign-   DCV—demand control ventilation-   dTcook—pre-set temperature above Tspace when IR sensor interprets    appliance being in idle condition, AS=2.-   dTIR—temperature difference between IRT and Tspace (e.g.,    dTIR=IRT−Tspace).-   dTIRcal—dTIR stored in the memory during first-time calibration    procedure for each IR sensor.-   dTIRmax—pre-set threshold value of absolute difference    |dTIR−dTIRcall that indicates that IR sensors need to be cleaned and    re-calibrated-   dTspace—pre-set temperature difference between Tex and Tspace when    cooking appliance status is interpreted as “all appliances under the    hood are off” (e.g., AS=0). Exemplary default value is 9° F.-   FRT—fluctuation of radiant temperature of appliance cooking surface.-   i—index, corresponding to hood number.-   IRT—infra red sensor temperature reading, ° F.-   IRTmin—minimum temperature reading, above which IR sensor detects    appliance status as idle (e.g., AS=2). IRTmin=Tspace+dTcook.-   kAirflowDesign—ratio of mass exhaust airflows. Total actual airflow    to total design airflow for hoods equipped with DCV-   Kf—hood coefficient, used to calculate hood exhaust airflow-   kFilterClogged—threshold airflow coefficient to detect clogged    filter, default value 1.1-   kFilterMissing—threshold airflow coefficient to detect filter    missing, default value 1.1-   Kidle—idle setback coefficient, Kidle=1−Qidle/Qdesign-   M—hood exhaust airflow, lb/h-   Mdesign_tot—total design exhaust mass airflow for all hoods in the    kitchen, equipped with the DCV system, lb/h-   n—index, corresponding to IR sensor number in the hood.-   Patm—atmospheric pressure, inches of Mercury.-   PstDesign, inches WC—minimum static pressure in the main exhaust    duct with all hoods calibrated and running at design airflow    Qdesign.-   Q—hood exhaust airflow, cfm-   Qdesign—hood design airflow, cfm-   Qdesign_tot—total design exhaust airflow for all hoods in the    kitchen, equipped with the DCV system, cfm-   Qdesigni—new hood design airflow acquired during calibration    procedure for multiple hoods connected to a single exhaust fan, cfm-   Qidle—pre-set hood airflow in idle, when all appliances under the    hood are in idle condition (by default Qidle=0.8·Qdesign)-   Qtot—total exhaust airflow for all hoods in the kitchen, equipped    with the DCV system, cfm-   TAB—test and balancing port in the hood. Pressure transducer is    connected to TAB port to measure pressure differential and calculate    hood exhaust airflow.-   Tex—hood exhaust temperature-   Tex_min—minimum exhaust temperature, when appliance status is    detected as idle, AS=2-   Tfire—pre-set limit on exhaust temperature, close to fuse link    temperature, ° F. When Tex≥Tfire—fire warning is generated.-   TimeCook—pre-set cooking time, by default TimeCook=7 min.-   TimeOR—override time. Time period when hood airflow is maintained at    design level Q=Qdesign when override button is pressed on the hood.    By default TimeOR=1 min-   Tmax—pre-set maximum hood exhaust temperature. At this temperature    hood operates at design exhaust airflow.-   Tspace—space temperature, ° F.-   VFDdesign—VFD setting, corresponding Qdesign (VFD=1—fan at full    speed; VFD=0—fan turned off)-   VFDidle—VFD setting, corresponding Qidle

What is claimed is:
 1. A combined exhaust flow control system with firedetection alarm and suppression, comprising: a control module coupled tosensors and control outputs, the control module coupled to an alarminterface, a fire suppression interface, and an appliance communicationinterface; exhaust flow control system in accordance with the presentdisclosure. In particular, a system 1500 includes a control module 1502coupled to sensors 1504 and control outputs
 1506. The control module1502 is also coupled to an alarm interface 1508, a fire suppressioninterface 1512, and an appliance communication interface; the alarminterface 1508 being coupled to an alarm system 1510; the firesuppression interface 1512 being coupled to a fire suppression system1514; the appliance communication interface 1516 being coupled to one ormore appliances 1518-1520; the control module 1502 being capable ofcommunicating and exchanging information with the alarm system 1510,fire suppression system 1514, and appliances 1518-1520 to determineappliance states; the control determining from appliance states anoptimal exhaust flow rate that provides capture and containment ofexhaust fumes; the control module 1502 may using its sensors providedfor control of exhaust may detect a fire or other dangerous conditionand communicate detection signals to the alarm system 1510, the firesuppression system 1514 while information from the appliances 1518-1520can be used by the exhaust flow control system to indicate appliancestates and provide accurate exhaust flow control.